MED TERM - Rutgers exam

prefix

found at the beginning of a word (usually indicates time, location, or quantity)

suffix

found at the end of the word

combining form

helps to tie the root with the rest of the word

word root

makes up the main meaning of a word

combining two word roots

combining two word roots, a combining form is added to the first root word

abbreviation rules

used frequently to record long and complex medical terms

-algia

pain

abduction

towards

-dextr

right

-sinistr

left

malaise

discomfort

hypochondriac region

covered by lower ribs

iliac region

located over the hip bones

anatomical position

stand upright, facing forward arms at the side, palms facing forward

homeostasis

maintain internal environment

midsagittal plane

divides into equal left and right halves

frontal plane (coronal)

divides into anterior and posterior

transverse plane

divides into superior and inferior

epithelial tissue

protective covering for internal and external surfaces of body

cephalic

toward the head

caudal

toward the feet

-pathy

disease

dorsal cavity

refers to the back of the body

chromosome

genetic structures within the nucleus ; contains the body's genes

axial skeleton

protects major organs of nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems

appendicular skeleton

appendages (arms, legs)

functions of the skeletal system

framework of the body, provide support and protection, provide body movements, storage of important minerals, red bone marrow

patella

kneecap

ischium

forms lower portion of pubic bone ; bears weight of body when sitting

red bone marrow

located in spongy bone

rheumatologist

specializes in diagnosis/treatment of arthritis and inflammation of joints and connective tissue

arthroplasty

surgical repair of damaged joint

osteoporosis

marked loss of bone density with increase in bone porosity, older people at risk

ankylosis

loss or absence of mobility in a joint

cartilaginous joints

allow slight movement of a joint

fibrous joints

holds the bones tightly together

synovial joints

provides variety of joint movement

avascular necrosis

death of bone tissue due to insufficient blood flow

functions of muscular system

holding body erect, generating body heat, moving food through digestive system, assisting with blood flow, moving fluids through ducts/tubes

myofascial pain syndrome

chronic pain affecting muscles and fascia throughout the whole body

visceral muscle

located within internal organs, involuntary, unstriated

sternocleidomastoid

bends the neck and rotates the head

sarcopenia

loss of muscle mass, strength, and function

achilles tendon

calf muscle to heel bone

myoparesis

weakness or slight muscular paralysis

fascia

band of connective tissue that envelops, separates, or binds together muscles

contracture

permanent tightening of fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin

tendonitis

inflammation of tendons due to overuse

paraplegia

paralysis of both legs and lower part of the body

atrophy

weakness/wearing away of body tissues and structures

extension

straightening out of a limb

cramp

painful localized spasm

pulmonary veins

carry oxygenated blood from lungs into left atrium

atrium

blood enters heart through these upper chambers

ventricles

pump blood throughout the body ; two lower chambers

artery

carry blood away from the heart

vein

carry blood toward the heart

cardiac arrest

heart abruptly stops beating

endarterial

inner portion of an artery

sinoatrial node

pushes blood into the ventricles to AV node

erythrocytes

mature red blood cells that transports oxygen to the tissues

ischemia

insufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues

cardiomyopathy

term to describe all diseases of the heart muscle

bradycardia

resting heart rate below 60 beats/minute

thrombocytopenia

abnormally small number of circulating platelets

arterial stenosis

narrowing of arteries

phagocytes

destroys cell debris, dust, pollen, and pathogens by phagocytosis

malignant

cancerous tumor

in situ

remains in original position

candida albicans

pathogenic yeast

interstitial fluid function

delivers nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to cells

chemoprevention

use of natural or synthetic substances to reduce the risk of cancer development

metastasis

process by which cancer is spread to a new site

larynx

voice box ; located between pharynx and trachea (vocal cords)

nasopharyngeal tonsils

located behind the nose and roof of the mouth

wheezing

high pitched whistling sound during breathing

laryngectomy

surgical removal of the larynx

upper respiratory tract

nose, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, and trachea

acute nasopharyngitis

describe the common cold ; usually due to human rhinovirus

sinus

a cavity to make bones of skull lighter, give resonance to the voice, and secrete mucus

alveoli (air sacs)

grapelike clusters ; site of gas exchange

pulmonary function test

group of tests measuring volume/flow of air

olfactory epithelium

nerve endings acting as receptors for sense of smell

pleural effusion

excess accumulation of fluid in pleural space

bradypnea

less then 10 breaths/minute

cyanosis

bluish discoloration

anabolism

builds up cells by use of nutrients

catabolism

breaks down cells releasing energy and CO2

functions of the liver

removing toxins from blood, turning food into fuel

mastication

chewing

diverticulitis

inflammation of diverticula

regurgitation

return of swallowed food into the mouth

food allergy

immune system reactions occurring after the eating of certain foods

appendectomy

surgical removal of appendix

urinary bladder

located behind pubic symphysis, muscular reservoir for urine

benign prostatic hyperplasia

enlargement of prostate gland

nephrons

site of urine production using filtration, reabsorption, and secretion

hydronephrosis

swelling of one or both kidneys to obstruction resulting in a backup of urine

nephritis

inflammation of kidneys

ureters

transports urine from kidneys to bladder through the process of pristalsis